We are calling on the Department of Conservation (DOC) to reopen and protect two important local tracks:

The Waimata (Gemstone Bay) Track
The Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove Lookout Track

These tracks are part of the heart of our community. They provide safe, free public access to some of the Coromandel’s most treasured coastal environments — and they must not be lost.
This land was gifted to the people of New Zealand by Vaughan Harsant, with the intention that it be shared and enjoyed by all. Closing or removing these tracks goes against that legacy and the fundamental principle that public conservation land should remain open and accessible.

These tracks are vital because they:
Protect public’s right to access iconic natural areas
Support local livelihoods and tourism operators
Provide safe walking alternatives with established infrastructure
Enable emergency and rescue access along the coastline
Offer inclusive access for schools, families, and visitors who cannot reach these areas by boat
Serve as key entry points to the Te Whanganui‑o‑Hei Marine Reserve, especially at Gemstone Bay

They are also essential for conservation and education - Open tracks also enable volunteers to service pest traps, carry out weed control, and support biodiversity restoration across the coastline. These activities directly contribute to DOC’s conservation goals and rely on safe, reliable access.
Significant public investment has already gone into these tracks, including bridges, steps, and safety features. Removing them would be a loss not only of access, but of valuable infrastructure, community connection, and conservation capability.

We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparent public consultation around these decisions. The community, iwi, and stakeholders deserve to be properly informed and involved in decisions that affect access to shared public land.

We call on DOC to:
Reopen both tracks immediately
Commit to keeping public conservation land accessible
Protect the legacy of land gifted for public use
Support community‑led conservation and education initiatives
Engage in clear, transparent, and meaningful consultation with the community

Protect public access. Support conservation. Keep DOC land open to the people.
Sign this petition to stand up for our community and ensure these special places remain accessible for generations to come.